Name of Jerusalem terrorist cleared for publication: Musbah Abu Sabih

Following a severe dispute between the Shin Bet and the Israel Police, a judge ruled that the Jerusalem terrorist’s name and picture are allowed to be published: 39-year-old Silwan resident Musbah Abu Sabih. The ruling was made contrary to Israel Police Commissioner Roni Alsheich’s position on the matter.

The name of the Jerusalem terrorist has been cleared for publication: 39-year-old Musbah Abu Sabih from the East Jerusalem Silwan neighborhood. As reported by JOL earlier this week, this terrorist is responsible for murdering two and injuring several others during Sunday’s Jerusalem shooting attack. Judge Mordechay Kadorry of the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court allowed for the terrorist’s information to be published. However, these details along with the names of those injured were under a comprehensive gag order earlier in the week.

“The rest of the investigation details will remain under a gag order,” the ruling read. Abu Sabih, who had an extensive record of security and criminal offenses, was supposed to begin serving a prison sentence. On Sunday, his identity had already been released by all Palestinian media outlets. Any Google search attempt revealed his name, but releasing this information in Israel was forbidden until tonight.

The Shin Bet felt that it was possible to publish the terrorist’s name on the day of the shooting attack. Furthermore, officials within the organization found it difficult to understand why Israel Police Commissioner Roni Alsheich opposed publicizing the terrorist’s identity as they claim that the gag order had no investigative justification.

“The Israel Police institutes gag orders in order to allow for a quick and effective investigation without disclosing information via the media to those being interrogated,” the Israel Police responded in an official statement. “On the Eve of Yom Kippur, the Police Commissioner instructed to reduce the gag order in accordance with the investigation’s progress. Upon receiving court approval, the terrorist’s name and picture may be published.”